Townsville

High hopes for PNG-Townsville relationship

PM O’Neill was in high spirits as he led the PNG delegation on the first ever direct flight from Port Moresby to Townsville, Australia, via Air Niugini, on Friday.

Air Niugini made its inaugural flight direct from Port Moresby into Townsville, and this direct service will provide the opportunity for convenient travel among business and educational opportunities, says the Prime Minister.

“About two years ago I visited Townsville, I made that commitment to try and encourage Air Niugini to fly here,” said the PM.

Air Niugini’s direct Townsville flight to benefit SP Hunters

The flight will be effective March 31, 2017.

The flight will benefit the team both in terms of reduced travel times, and lower team travel costs.

The direct flight will also enable fans in Papua New Guinea to attend Cowboys home matches, and the Hunters games – as well as the fans of the North Queensland teams who want to see their teams play here in Port Moresby.

The NRL round 5 matches between Cowboys and Rabbitohs on 31st March will be held in Townsville, an opportunity for fans in PNG to attend.

Air Niugini to commence flights to Townsville

The launching will be just in time for the NRL season and will also benefit the Central and North Queensland business communities who can now better access PNG and other Pacific and Asian cities through connecting flights at Jackson’s airport in Port Moresby.

These direct services will operate every Monday and Friday, departing Port Moresby at 09:55am and arriving in Townsville at 11:45am.

The return flight will depart Townsville at 12:30pm and arrives in Port Moresby at 2:20pm.